Over 5 years late and tied up with more constraints than Houdini the Freedom of Information act was finally passed in 2004. Two years later and we’re effectively about to lose even this. The Guardian reports today that the government is pushing through the new proposals which will cut off serious freedom of information requests by news organisations (‘Ministers plan to break pledge on freedom of information’). Maurice Frankel, from the Campaign for Freedom of Information, has sent a letter of protest to ministers. But if the government is determined then it’s going to take more than this to stop it. What else can we do? I’ve just signed an electronic petition (Free Information) – please do the same. And if you have any other bright ideas – press ‘add comment’ now